This has been a remarkable week for the Cooper-Hewitt museum, with
the new discovery of an old master's work - Michelangelo's candelabrum
drawing. Congratulations.

Welcome to the White House. Tonight we recognize the 2001 and 2002
National Design Award winners and finalists - a group of remarkably
talented men and women who are among America's finest designers and
patrons of design.

This house is a great backdrop for this event. The White House is
widely recognized by its mere silhouette, and it is a great example of
200 years of design work-in-progress.

Certainly one of the nicest parts of living here is the chance to
use and admire the many pieces of American design, these beautiful
furnishings.

You might have noticed the scaffolding on the north side of the
East Wing, which is being repainted. The last time they stripped the
paint off the north-east side they found scorch marks made by British
troops when they set the place on fire during the War of 1812.

Dolly Madison fled the burning White House with that portrait of
George Washington. She did save one other portrait -- her own.

This is the room where Abigail and John Adams' laundry was hung out
to dry. The windows didn't have any glass back then, so the hot air
blowing through the White House was the real thing.

There used to be an indoor swimming pool between the Residence and
the West Wing. It is covered up now, and filled with wires. The
National Press Corps sits on top of it. There's a trap door in the
floor.

Thanks to the dedicated work of design experts, we have landmarks
like this one.places that are so well loved, lived-in, and preserved
that many generations are able to experience its stories and
offerings.

Design, in all its disciplines, is the world's greatest facilitator
-- it allows us to enjoy life and all of its pursuits.

I have many assignments as First Lady, but serving as Honorary
Patron of the 2002 National Design Awards is among the most fun.and
inspirational.

Thanks to the Smithsonian Institute, Cooper-Hewitt National Design
Museum for recognizing these incredible professionals and for
recognizing the importance of education in your continuing program.

Congratulations to the award winners and finalists -- and to each
one of you for contributing in such a beautiful way to the world we
live in. America values and appreciates your accomplishments.